May 22, 2024
Meet the ostrich, Africa's largest bird, towering up to 2.7m tall and weighing 159 kg. That's taller than the average man and the weight of two men combined!
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The ostrich boasts a long bare neck, sturdy legs, and a feather-covered body. Males don black plumage with a white tail, while females are predominantly brown. Both have small heads, wide beaks and large brown eyes framed by long lashes.
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With eyes larger than their brains, ostriches boast remarkable eyesight, offering them a keen advantage in the wild.
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Despite its inability to fly, the ostrich is a formidable runner, reaching speeds over 70km/h. With long legs and powerful thighs, it covers five metres in a single stride, aided by short wings for balance at high speeds.
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The ostrich's strong legs aren't just for running; they're formidable weapons in self-defence. When threatened by predators like lions or hyenas, it delivers lethal kicks. Each foot, armed with a ten-centimetre sharp claw, adds to the predator's peril.
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With their height and keen eyesight, ostriches spot predators from afar. If danger looms, they'll lie low, blending with sandy soil. Though they don't bury their heads in sand, their hiding stance can give that impression, sparking the myth.
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Primarily herbivorous, ostriches consume roots, leaves, and seeds but also indulge in insects and small creatures. They coexist with grazers like wildebeests and zebras, benefiting from the stirred-up insects while providing crucial alerts against predators.
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Ostriches form herds of around 12 individuals. Males vie for dominance, with the victor leading the group. A dominant hen mates exclusively with the alpha male, who may also mate with other females in the herd.
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During breeding season, the alpha male creates a nest and woos females through dance, showcasing impressive moves like wing and tail shaking. Once mated, hens lay the world's largest eggs, averaging 15cm long and weighing up to 1.5kg.
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The main female lays up to 11 eggs at the centre of the communal nest, while others lay two to six eggs. The alpha male and dominant female take turns incubating the eggs to ensure their safety and proper development.
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